Barbara Banks Obituary

Barbara Elizabeth Banks, was born on October 19th, 1931 in Essex County New Jersey to George and Madeline Glover.
She was the middle child of 3 siblings, Calvin and George Glover Jr.

By the time Barbara was 16, both her parents and older brother Calvin had all preceded her in death and after the death of her brother George Jr. in 1953, she was the lone survivor of her immediate family. She was 22 years old…

These life events molded and shaped Barbara into a strong, independent woman that had an insatiable work ethic and a
deep love for providing and caring for the family she created.

She was married twice: Harry Smith II and Quitman Banks. Through those marriages she was blessed with 3 loving
children, Harry Sylvester Smith III (status unknown), Stephen Quitman Banks, & Carolyn Teresa Banks (Young).
To this day they are affectionately known as Peanut, Poody, and Sweetie. She loved them unconditionally.

Barbara began her formal education in the New Jersey Public Schools graduating from Lincoln High School in Hudson,
NJ in 1947.

She relocated to St. Louis, MO in 1956 and began a career in the accounting & payroll department at the American
Automobile Association (AAA) while also working part time at Stix, Baer & Fuller. During her tenure at AAA, she made life-long friends and was the pillar of professional success. She continued to strive and in May 1986 the "Jersey Girl" graduated from Forest Park College in St. Louis.

She was 51… In the summer of 1987, Barbara began training for the "Senior Olympics" – an event that hosted the top senior athletes from regions all over the United States. She trained year round to keep her body in tip top shape and would often be seen walking and jogging around the streets of Walnut Park…with a big stick. Not only was she competing with these athletes, she was winning! During a span of 16 years, she was able to amass a total of 37 gold, silver, and bronze medals.

After 36 years at AAA, she retired in 1998. She was 67… Immediately after retirement she took on a "part time" position as a bank teller at US Bank. She loved working with the public and met new friends along the way. She began "full time" and worked at US Bank for another 17+ years retiring again in 2015 at the age of 84.

Barbara had a very strong faith in the LORD Jesus and made sure that was instilled at home. She was a life-long memberof Prospect Hill Missionary Baptist Church and still has quotes from Rev. Adrian F. Jones scribbled through the Bible she passed on to her grandson.

Known for her "no nonsense" approach and quick wit, Barbara was loved by many. She was simply known as "Ms. Banks" or "BB", but the people who loved her most called her "Mama" and "Granny". Barbara was always the provider and protector of her family.One of her greatest joys was being an active grandmother & great grandmother. Barbara helped raise her eldest grandson and his children as well. She cherished her relationships with grandsons Ryan and Joshua. She adored her great-grandkids Dashawn and Devin. And boy.. we all know she loved her some "Sugar".

Barbara will live forever in the hearts and memories of her son, Stephen Banks (Poody), her daughter, Carolyn Young
(Sweetie), her grandchildren Reginald Young II (Sugarman), Ryan Young, and Joshua Young, as well as her great
grandchildren, DaShawn and Devin Young.